Giza is only one chapter of the pyramid story. South of Cairo, along the edge of the desert, earlier kings tried out the shapes and methods that led to the great pyramids. This day takes you through three of those places in one comfortable loop, with a guide to explain what you are looking at.
The shape of the day
Your guide and driver collect you from your hotel in Cairo or Giza at about eight. Dahshur comes first, at around nine, then Saqqara at eleven. Lunch is at a local restaurant at one, followed by Memphis at two. You are driven back from three o'clock, arriving between three and four depending on traffic.
Dahshur: two experiments in stone
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu changes angle partway up, a sign that the builders adjusted the design as they worked. Beside it stands the Red Pyramid, often described as the first true smooth-sided pyramid. Both sit in open desert, and there are rarely large crowds.
Saqqara: the Step Pyramid
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is one of the oldest large stone buildings in the world. You walk through the entrance colonnade into the great courtyard, and your guide explains how the pyramid grew from a single tomb into six steps. Some of the nearby tombs have painted reliefs, though the extra tombs need a separate ticket.
Memphis: the open-air museum
Memphis was an early capital of Egypt, and little of the city remains. The small open-air museum shows the fallen colossus of Ramses II, lying on its back, and an alabaster sphinx. It is a short stop, a good one to end on.
- Dahshur: the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.
- Saqqara: the Step Pyramid and its courtyard.
- Memphis: the statue of Ramses II.
- Lunch at a local restaurant, with bottled water in the car.
Going inside
The corridor into the Red Pyramid is steep and low, and the air inside is warm. Many visitors find it worth the effort, but anyone with a bad back, a fear of enclosed spaces or a heart condition should skip it. Your guide will tell you what to expect before you decide.
Walking, heat and what to wear
The day involves a fair amount of walking on sand and uneven ground, but at an easy pace, and your driver keeps the car close to each stop. Wear closed, flat shoes with a good grip, a hat and light clothing that covers your shoulders. There is little shade at Dahshur and Saqqara, so bring sun cream and sunglasses. Bottled water is in the car, and it is worth carrying a small bottle with you at each site.
When to go
From October to April the weather suits a full day outdoors. In summer the heat builds quickly, so the early start helps, and the stone and sand hold the warmth into the afternoon. Weekends and school holidays can be busier at Saqqara, though Dahshur usually stays quiet. If you have only one spare day in Cairo, this is a good choice for anyone who wants depth rather than crowds.
Open the trip page to see the full list of inclusions and to choose your date.
Plan with us
Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur: what the day looks like
What happens on a private day to the Bent and Red Pyramids, the Step Pyramid and Memphis: timings, walking, what is included and what is not.